The Foundation Schools is a special education day school which delivers innovative school programs and support services for children and adolescents with emotional disabilities, autism spectrum disorders and other learning challenges. The Foundation Schools is currently accepting resumes for an Elementary Special Education Teacher for our Largo location.

The mission of The Foundation Schools is to provide a highly specialized educational and therapeutic program for students with emotional and other disabilities and social emotional and learning challenges, preparing them to be productive and successful in their future academic and career paths. We are seeking qualified teachers to provide our students with the tools and guidance they need to be successful.

Teachers at The Foundation Schools employ special education strategies and techniques to provide quality instruction that results in the students’ mastery of approved curriculum and that promotes social, emotional and cognitive learning. Teachers effectively manage student behavior through implementation of behavior management systems, school rules and policies.

For over 40 years, The Foundation Schools’ mix of academic support and therapeutic services has given our students a chance to reach their full potential. The Foundation Schools is currently approved by the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia to provide services to students who have not been successful in their home school’s environment. The Foundation Schools has schools in Gaithersburg and Largo, Maryland that serve over 200 students in grades K-12.

Our Core Values’ provide a strong foundation for our programs, are integrated into our positive behavior intervention system, drive our actions and guide our staff and students daily to TWIRL (Teamwork, Work Ethic, Integrity, Respect, and Leadership). We offer a supportive working environment with small class sizes and excellent resources.

The Foundation Schools offers a comprehensive benefit package including tuition assistance and a generous retirement package. Visit our website at www.foundationschools.org for more information.

MSDE certification or eligibility for MSDE certification required in special education, and appropriate grade band; Art and Physical Education teachers require MSDE certification or eligibility for MSDE certification in content area

Two or more years of experience in a special education setting or experience working with emotionally disabled students or children with autism is preferred

Knowledge of IDEA and its specific applications to educating students with special education needs and emotional and other disabilities preferred

Bilingual (Spanish/English) abilities are a plus

KEY JOB FUNCTIONS:

Employ special education strategies and techniques to provide quality instruction that results in the students’ advancement of their academic progress on the approved curriculum and that promotes social and emotional growth

Demonstrate knowledge of academic subjects and the ability to effectively teach content area while using the approved curriculum

Create and implement lesson plans that utilize a variety of teaching methods, including the use of technology, direct instruction, independent study and group learning, in order to engage students and actively encourage student participation; submit lesson plans within set guidelines

Demonstrate the ability to adapt classroom environment, activities, teaching styles, behavior management practices and lesson plans to meet the needs of students with varying academic levels and learning styles

Establish expectations for learning and set classroom structure to encourage student participation and appropriate behavior

Use formal and informal observation and assessment tools to determine students’ needs, and adjust interventions and practices to accommodate those needs; evaluate instructional effectiveness, document, and make modifications based on data, reflection, and feedback

Provide a safe, structured, creative, and engaging classroom that is conducive to learning

Participate in the development and monitoring of students’ IEPs, BIPs, and FBAs including completion of required documentation within set guidelines

Attend and actively participate in IEP meetings, reentry meetings, and other meetings with parents/guardians, students or county representatives; report accurately on student academic progress

Act as the lead in the classroom by providing guidance and direction to program assistants and dedicated aides assigned to their classroom

Work with other teachers, therapists, school leaders, and other team members to determine the student and/or classroom needs and adjust interventions and practices to best meet those needs; work with team to develop interventions and/or incentive plans when appropriate